The more I've thought about navigating using an advanced LOP, the more it seems completely logical to employ the offset method (
http://tighar.org/Projects/Earhart/forum/FAQs/offset.htm). If a person doesn't use an offset method then they arrive at some point on the advanced LOP and then have to make a decision to go north or south on the line. Choosing incorrectly means flying for some time in the wrong direction before eventually giving up and then doubling back to get back to one's starting point, in short not a great option for a long flight with limited fuel reserves. Choosing incorrectly represents a 50-50 chance which seems pretty risky.
With that in mind, what was the norm for LOP navigation back in AEs day? Did FN typically employ the offset method or was it's use more sporadic? I realize that the goal was to eventually get within radio range, but you would think that if FN had a preference for the offset method he would have employed it during the lost flight.
Let's assume for a moment that FN had employed this method, wouldn't it make sense to come in north of Howland and then traverse down the LOP knowing that if Howland could not be found they might reach landfall at the other islands (like Gardner)? If they used the offset method how much offset would they need to use to correct for the large dead reckoning errors that would occur during such a long over water flight? Would they have enough fuel reserves to reach Gardner or the other islands if they used a large offset and come in from the North? If the answer is no then this might be one reason why the offset method would not have been used (insufficient fuel reserves).
The FAQ that I linked to says that there is no evidence that shows that offset was used, but some evidence to suggest an offset wasn't used. What evidence is this?